Thankful Thursdays

Today I'm thankful for:

1) the fact that the campaign is finally over, and we have a new President
2) for women like Beth Moore who speak truth into my life, right when i need it- about praying for our new president
3) discount halloween candy, since I didn't trick or treat. My favorite is all things Resse's
4) my parents- both are coming down to be with me for my procedure, and to FINALLY spend time with me in the ATL
5) the doctor's office being willing to work out a payment plan for my procedure, so i'm not out of $500 at once- during the holiday season, nonetheless
6) Thursdays at work- normally they are slow and I get to go walk the stores and the competition
7) Macy's, since I found a CUTE new duvet cover for my guest bedroom and it's on SALE :)

What are you thankful for today?

A Presidential Opinion

It's been decided. Obama is our president. I would've been disappointed with either candidate, so I feel kind of indifferent. I was very tempted to write in "Karen Tabler for President" when I voted early, but I decided at the last minute to choose.

There were a lot of issues I thought about strongly this year. The last time I voted for a President, it was my senior year of college. I cared, but not deeply. Now, I'm a workin girl who wants every last minute of her paycheck to be in her wallet, but also wants people to be helped. I debated and debated (mostly against myself, but sometimes with others) about who to choose. It was difficult, because in general, it's assumed that if you're an evangelical christian you vote Republican. I think, as Christians, we should be involved in both parties, "striving to be the 'leaven' that permeates both parties with biblically based judgements and values".

For issues, such as abortion, human trafficking, poverty, and many more, Jesus clearly guides us on how to approach these throughout the Bible. I think members of both parties should lean on the never-changing truths and values that have been provided as guidance for us in the Bible. These issues should be nonpartisan issues AND bipartisan issues. It's clear, from yesterday's election that single-issue voting is over and the broader moral agenda is being sought by all sides. This election, no matter who should have won, has brought people together on the biggest moral issues of our time- even across old politically driven divisions. Now that there are "evangelical" christians on both side of the table, let's work together on a common ground, to help our country seek Jesus first, to seek God's agenda first.

I liked this paragraph from Jessi's blog yesterday. It brings it all home.

There are so many issues I'm passionate about when it comes to politics, but I'm not scared to go public and say - the issue of Jesus Christ is the only one I'm really willing to die for. He's the only one whose character I know and support, He is the only one who can fix this country - or this world for that matter. He appoints Kings and Rulers of this world, but He will always be the King and Ruler of my heart.Whatever happens tomorrow, He will still be in control. Whoever gets elected, I will pray for.

Weekend with Jess

It was SO good to visit my sweet big sister this weekend. I arrived on Friday night, after a super smooth and quick flight to Philly. We grabbed some wonderful pizza at Peace a Pizza. The crust was yummy yummy! Then we picked up 2 of her friends, in the Ford Focus, to go to a halloween party. (Jess was psyched to have a car- with a radio. We were jammin out all weekend. It's beats the scoot anytime.) Once we picked up her two friends, we got lost for an hour and a half. Poor girl, she never drives far, since she has the scoot, and so therefore she doesn't know her way around anything past 5 miles from her house, lol. We finally got to the party, but most everyone had left. It was still fun to meet most of her grad student friends. They were super nice.

Saturday she had to write a terribly hard paper, so I just kinda sat around and explored Wayne, PA. BUT, Saturday night we went to see Coldplay. Top 5 concert ever. Chris Martin is HOT HOT HOT! LOVE him! We had a good dinner, and a good concert. What could be better?

Sunday we got to visit with sweet Sarah's siter, Krista. We walked along the Schukyill River (sp?) and took lots of pictures (still need to be edited). We walked for about 3 or 4 miles, so we definitely got our exercise in for the day. Enough exercise to eat a great big Philly Cheesesteak. From Genos? No...but just as good.

Here's a few pictures to enjoy.

In west Philadelphia....

Born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days....

Welp, it's nearing 2pm (not really, but I want it to be), and that's when I get to leave for the airport and go to Philadelphia this weekend. I CAN'T wait to see Jess. It's been since July, and that's too long to go without seeing your sister. I guess it's better than going 1 or 2 years, like when she lived in Indonesia.

Has anybody been? What should we do? We're definitely going to Geno's for a Philly Cheesesteak. That is a must. Even though i'm trying to give up meat. Oh well.

What are you doing this hallo-eve?

Thankful Thursday

1. For my sweet little chewy who keeps me company when i get home from LONG days at work
2. For my new gastro doctor, I met today, who is going to take good care of me and finally label what's been going on for 10+ years
3. For my mom, who is driving down to Atlanta on her day off next Friday to take me to the hospital
4. For my bestest big sis, who is letting me come visit her in Philly this weekend, and who is taking me to the Coldplay concert (yay!)
5. For Stephanie, who is so kind to take care of Chewy this weekend, SO last minute, and while taking care of 2 other dogs. love her!

Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend...

Children of the Corn

Last night BC went to the good ol' Cagle Dairy Farm in Canton, GA. Way fun, I must add! We had some hot chocolate (which kept me up half the night), we had a headlamp, we had a "if you're lost, hold this up" stick, we had a corn shooter, we had a great big bonfire, and we even had a bluegrass band who played on the back of a hayride.

Anything fall, I'm down for. LOVE the weather. Here are some pictures of us.

Thankful Fridays

I'm kind of in a blah mood today because I've had a headache for 3 days, got some not-so-good news from my doctor yesterday, and it's a rainy Friday. So, for kicks, I'm making a Thankful Friday list-- instead of Thankful Thursdays.

1. It's finally cold outside. I get to keep my windows open, and i haven't turned the AC/heat on in over a month. Yay for low energy bills!
2. I'm going to a corn maze/pumpkin patch with friends on Sunday, and we're having a bonfire. Bonfire = fall, and in case you didn't know, I love fall.
3. This weekend (friday and saturday) I have zero plans, as of yet, which means I finally get to be lazy, after several weeks of travelling here and there.
4. I get to call Chip and Melanie tonight to congratulate them on being pregnant with their first girl. so fun!
5. I had pizza for lunch. Nuff said.

Hope you have a great Friday today!

AND i'm back...

So, I guess I took a little hiatus there for awhile, but I'm back. I didn't feel like I had much to say, for awhile, because it was strictly transition boredom.

Now, however, with the election and such, it's time to speak again. Keep on the lookout for more posts.

Oh how He loves

So, by now, I'm pretty sure you know it's Valentine's Day. I've never been one to really get into celebrating Valentine's Day...and not because of lack of boyfriends on Valentine's Day...I just honestly think it's a day to waste money. I get flowers (which I don't even appreciate), I have to make a reservation for dinner, I have to buy another present for my significant other and other random people, and I always end up indulging in too much chocolate. Needless to say, when this day rolls around each year, I let it pass my by without any affect. I don't put forward any effort in thinking about it, really. 

Today, though, I was reminded by a friend of mine, that I am loved by THE lover. It shouldn't be something I need to be reminded of, yet I do. In a day that is focused on hallmark cards, dinners and chocolate, I fail to think of the real and true love that I get to experience every day of my life. He loves me with a love so deep that you can't express it with a cheesy hallmark card, or a heart shaped box of chocolates, or even a nice candle lit dinner. His love is so strong and so abundant, that he floods me with it whether I deserve it or not. Whether I want it or not. Whether I ask for it or not. He loves me. He is (everlasting) love. 

Frankly, I am baffled at how He loves me. How real and unconditional it is. How gracious and forgiving it is. How never-ending and tangible it is. And when I really think about it all, it begs the question, am I able to love others like He loves me? After all, that is what I am called to do, to show, to be. Someone asked me a few weeks ago "who are you?" and one of the things I said in describing myself was "I am someone who loves to love on people." It's true. That's my goal, is to make you feel loved and wanted. But, my love for you has no comparison to God's love for you. My takeaway from today is to legitimately and purposefully work on loving others- the people who are in my daily life, and even those who aren't. I want to leave a mark on your life, and I want that mark to be one of love. Keep me accountable. I'll need it. 

IKEA

Oh the wonders of IKEA. I love it! It's a huge warehouse of furniture, kitchen gadgets, shower curtains, rugs, flowers...I mean all kinds of goodness. And the best part, is...drum roll...it's cheap and affordable. 

This was my second run to IKEA since I've moved to the A-T-L. I went with Scott and Darlene, for the purpose of getting house stuff for them...and alas I walked away with a new piece for my bedroom, and some new accessories for the den and kitchen. 

I love this place. It's a trap for me to most assuredly spend lots of money. But I love this place. 

I'll post pictures of my cute house soon :)